Alumni UK Live

Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, will open this year's Alumni UK Live festival. 

Keynote by Catherine Mayer - Author, journalist, activist and speaker

Inclusive leadership is no longer optional—it is essential to organisational resilience, innovation, and long-term success. In this keynote, journalist and activist Catherine Mayer explores why diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only moral imperatives but powerful strategic advantages in today’s workplaces. 

Inspired by the International Women’s Day 2026 theme “Give to Gain”, this panel discussion brings together women leaders with international perspectives whose lived experience spans continents, industries, and cultural contexts. The session explores how gender equality is accelerated when individuals, organisations, and systems actively give—through resources, access, sponsorship, knowledge, and opportunity—and what collective gain looks like when women are supported to thrive.

The session will explore:

• How women build influence and impact through networks and collective action
• Where sustained support has led to meaningful cultural, organisational, or systemic change
• What organisations, institutions, and leaders must do differently to properly resource and sustain this work
• What collective “gain” looks like—for workplaces, communities, and society—when women are enabled to thrive

Speakers:

Haseena Farid - Managing Director and Co-Founder of Women of Colour Global Network (WOCGN) (Session Chair)

Sarah Davis - Client Legal Director, Vice Chair, Unicef

Aashraya Seth - Founder, Happy Periods and Impact91

Mylene Sylvestre - Managing Director of Publishing, The Guardian

In today’s fast-moving, digital-first world, networking is a critical driver of career progression. This practical webinar equips alumni with the tools and confidence to build meaningful professional connections, uncover opportunities, and strengthen their visibility in a competitive job market.

Participants will learn how to create a compelling online presence by tailoring their profiles to their target industry, showcasing their skills and achievements, and increasing visibility on platforms such as LinkedIn. The session will also explore the power of personalised outreach, sharing four key strategies for growing a strong and authentic network. In addition, it offers practical guidance on in-person networking, including how to engage employers at events and make the most of face-to-face opportunities.

Speakers:

Pinyapa Aime Somphong - Managing Partner at TWLS (TWL Law Group)

David Gee - Director, GradLink UK - the UK’s award-winning careers advice and jobs site for international students

This session highlights the work of Alumni UK SDG Ambassadors, showcasing their experiences in delivering projects that address global challenges. Through success stories, practical insights, and discussions of challenges, the session will focus on initiatives aimed at tackling gender inequality and promoting women's empowerment.

Key themes include:

• The implications of global challenges for future generations and pathways toward a more sustainable and equitable world.
• Collaborative approaches for individuals and organizations to address urgent issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.
• The power of storytelling to inspire action and raise awareness about global challenges.
• How the SDG Ambassador program supports skill development, networking, and meaningful connections.

Speakers will share personal experiences and lessons learned, offering actionable insights for creating positive change.

Speakers:

Andrew Chadwick, Director of the Chevening Secretariat, British Council (Session Chair)

With Alumni UK SDG Ambassadors:

Atir Guliyeva - Leading Specialist, Institute of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan | SDG 4 - Quality Education

Chen Jun Luo - Senior Manager, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth in Singapore | SDG 5 - Gender Equality

Urvashi Prasad - Senior Fellow, Pahle India Foundation | SDG 10 - Reduced Inequality

Salah Obayya - Vice President Executive for Research, Zewail City for Science, Technology and Innovation | SDG 10 - Reduced Inequality

Rawan Taha - Career Coach | SDG 8 - Decent Work & Economic Growth

A representative of the UK government will give the closing remarks.